hotfoot

[ hot-foot ]

noun

, plural hot·foots.

1. a practical joke in which a match, inserted surreptitiously between the sole and upper of the victim's shoe, is lighted and allowed to burn down.

verb (used without object)

1. Informal. to go in great haste; walk or run hurriedly or rapidly (often followed by it ):

   to hotfoot it to the bus stop.

adverb

1. with great speed in going; in haste.

hotfoot

/ ˈhɒtˌfʊt /

adverb

1. with all possible speed; quickly

verb

1. to move quickly

Word History and Origins

Origin of hotfoot¹

1250–1300; Middle English hot fot (adv.). See hot, foot

Example Sentences

A mouthful of this noxious mess and the offender succumbs or hotfoots it to a different plant.

From Nautilus

Several hours had elapsed since he had entered hotfoot to see her; and the day was beginning to wane.

From Project Gutenberg

Well for the king that they had no change of steeds, but had ridden hotfoot after him from the battlefield.

From Project Gutenberg

I have shown merely whither circumstantial evidence leads us when we go hotfoot after a theory.

From Project Gutenberg

Guessing what had happened, Operator Green dashed out hotfoot in pursuit.

From Project Gutenberg

Returning hotfoot, she found Finn immovable beside the mouth of the cave, a formidable sentry.

From Project Gutenberg